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Nuno Espírito Santo kicked off his West Ham United tenure in fine fashion on Monday night.

The former Nottingham Forest boss didn’t pick up all three points in the Premier League clash with Everton, but they fought back from a goal down to claim one.

It was a display full of the sort of grit and determination that was so lacking under Graham Potter, and surely a positive sign of what could come this season.

Moreover, there were some standout performances from his starters, including a duo he could help make one of the best in the league.

The players who could thrive under Nuno

Starting with the obvious, there is no reason to think Jarrod Bowen won’t continue to be West Ham’s most important player under Nuno.

After all, the Englishman scored the goal on Monday night and racked up an unreal haul of 24 goal involvements in 36 games last season, despite the club doing so poorly for practically the entire campaign.

Finally, the Irons’ new manager was able to turn Chris Wood into a lean, mean goalscoring machine for the Tricky Trees last season, so just imagine the impact he could have on the former Hull City ace.

Speaking of the development of the Kiwi marksman, if he was able to chalk up 20 goals and three assists in 40 appearances under Nuno last year, there is no reason Callum Wilson couldn’t also have something of a late career revival this year.

The former Newcastle United star is the same age as the Forest man, and you only need to go back to 23/24 to reach the last campaign in which he was effective in front of goal, as he scored 10 goals and provided one assist in 26 games that year.

It could also be a great season ahead for Soungoutou Magassa and Freddie Potts.

The two of them are young, exciting and impressively technical central midfielders who can play in the six, and considering the development of now England international Elliot Anderson last year, there is no reason why they couldn’t be looked upon similarly this time in 26/27.

With all that said, there is one duo in particular that could be in for an extraordinary campaign under Nuno this season.

The West Ham duo Nuno could transform

While plenty of fans would probably love Nuno to transform their centre-back partnership this season, he’s not a miracle worker.

Chalkboard

However, the Portuguese coach could help make the partnership of El Hadji Malick Diouf and Crysencio Summerville on the left-hand side one of the best in the Premier League.

It’s something that certainly feels possible, as even though he only arrived in the summer, the “explosive” Senegalese international, as dubbed by one analyst, has already been described as “one of the best full-backs in the league” by another analyst.

While that is certainly high praise indeed, it’s not hard to see where they are coming from, as in just six Premier League games, the 20-year-old already has three assists to his name.

Moreover, on another night, he could have picked up one or two more against Everton, as he was constantly firing in dangerous cross after dangerous cross into the Toffees’ penalty area.

At the same time, Summerville was consistently driving at his opposite number and more often than not beating them.

In fact, the Dutchman completed three of his five dribbles, more than anyone else on the night, won five of eight ground duels, amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.67, took 55 touches, played one key pass and won two fouls.

Minutes

77′

Expected Goals

0.42

Expected Assists

0.12

Touches

55

Accurate Passes

27/29 (93%)

Key Passes

1

Shots on Target

1

Successful Dribbles

3

Ground Duels (Won)

8 (5)

Fouls Won

2

Clearances

3

Shots Blocked

1

The “unstoppable” winger, as dubbed by Statmand Dave, was so effective against David Moyes’ side that he was named the Man of the Match.

So, imagine how dangerous a pairing these two will be when they’ve had more time to play together. The former Leeds United star will be a nightmare for opposition defenders, capable of cutting inside with his close control, while Diouf will be hurtling up and down the pitch, firing in sensational crosses into dangerous areas.

Add to that a manager who was known for using flying wing-backs at Wolverhampton Wanderers and then utilising attacking full-backs at the City Ground, and the Irons left-hand side could become one of the most dangerous in the Premier League.

Ultimately, there is much of the season to come, but West Ham look like they could have something of a cheat code on one side of the pitch, and Bowen on the other.

14 goals in 19 games: West Ham are brewing 18-year-old Fullkrug upgrade

The young gem could be a real star for Nuno and West Ham.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 3, 2025

Glasgow Rangers have new owners in the 49ers Enterprises, and they have already splashed the cash in the transfer market, but who is the current record signing at Ibrox?

Football FanCast has taken a look at Rangers’ most expensive signings in their history, with a detailed look at the top 10.

1

Tore Andre Flo

£12m

Chelsea

2000

2

Youssef Chermiti

£8m

Everton

2025

3

Ryan Kent

£7m

Liverpool

2019

4

Michael Ball

£6.5m

Everton

2001

=5

Mikel Arteta

£6m

Barcelona

2002

=5

Danilo

£6m

Feyenoord

2023

7

Andrey Kanchelskis

£5.5m

Fiorentina

1998

8

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

£5.25m

Feyenoord

1998

=9

Arthur Numan

£4.5m

PSV Eindhoven

1998

=9

Barry Ferguson

£4.5m

Blackburn Rovers

2005

=9

Bert Konterman

£4.5m

Feyenoord

2000

=9

Oscar Cortes

£4.5m

Lens

2025

=9

Ronald de Boer

£4.5m

Barcelona

2000

=9

Cyriel Dessers

£4.5m

Cremonese

2023

=15

Paul Gascoigne

£4.3m

Lazio

1995

=15

Mohamed Diomande

£4.3m

Nordsjaelland

2024

17

Gaby Amato

£4.2m

RCD Mallorca

1998

=18

Michael Mols

£4m

FC Utrecht

1999

=18

Duncan Ferguson

£4m

Dundee United

1993

=18

Kemar Roofe

£4m

Anderlecht

2020

=18

Lorenzo Amoruso

£4m

Fiorentina

1997

Here's a detailed look at Rangers' 10 most expensive signings… 10 Barry Ferguson £4.5m from Blackburn Rovers

One of six players to cost a reported £4.5m was iconic Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson. The Scot came through the Ibrox academy before moving to the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 2003.

He’d return to Glasgow in 2005, though, and in total, Ferguson would end his Rangers career with more than 400 appearances and 15 major honours.

9 Arthur Numan £4.5m from PSV Eindhoven

Arthur Numan also cost £4.5m from PSV Eindhoven in 1998.

The full-back ended his playing career in Scotland in 2003, winning 10 major honours at Ibrox under Dick Advocaat and Alex McLeish. Since then, Numan has gone into scouting for the likes of Aston Villa and AZ Alkmaar.

8 Giovanni van Bronckhorst £5.25m from Feyenoord

Versatile left-back Giovanni van Bronckhorst already knew Advocaat from his youth days and moved to Rangers from Feyenoord in 1998. The Dutch defender would spend three years at Ibrox before moving to Arsenal in 2001, with the Gers making a profit in the process.

Van Bronckhorst would return to Rangers as manager in 2021, lasting 12 months before being sacked despite leading them to the Europa League final.

7 Andrey Kanchelskis £5.5m from Fiorentina

Russian winger Andrey Kanchelskis returned to the UK after spells with Man Utd and Everton in 1998, joining from Italian side Fiorentina.

Kanchelskis won six major honours at Ibrox before moving to Southampton in 2002.

6 Danilo £6m from Feyenoord

Centre-forward Danilo made the move to Scotland with Rangers in 2023, costing £6m from Feyenoord.

The Brazilian is under contract at Ibrox until 2028, and he has now made more appearances for the Gers than any other club.

5 Mikel Arteta £6m from Barcelona

Rangers were the first of three British clubs during Mikel Arteta’s playing career, sealing a move from Barcelona back in 2002.

The midfielder was just 20 years of age at the time and spent two years in Scotland before returning to Spain with Real Sociedad. He’d go on to become a regular in the Premier League for Everton and Arsenal and has managed the Gunners since 2019.

4 Michael Ball £6.5m from Everton

Rangers splashed the cash on left-back Michael Ball in 2001 from Everton, however, his four-year stay in Scotland had several controversies.

Ball was fined after a Glasgow derby altercation with Advocaat, and years later, a clause in the transfer resulted in Rangers and Everton being embroiled in a legal battle which meant the player was left out of the squad for months.

3 Ryan Kent £7m from Liverpool

After an impressive spell on loan in Glasgow during the 2018/19 season, Rangers signed winger Ryan Kent on a permanent transfer from Liverpool for a reported £7m.

The Gers and then-manager Steven Gerrard pipped Leeds United to a deal for the Englishman, who would go on to make more than 200 appearances for the club. He left for Fenerbahce in 2023 when his contract expired, but remains the Gers’ most expensive signing in nearly 20 years.

2 Youssef Chermiti £8m from Everton

The 49ers’ marquee signing in their first transfer window at Rangers was Youssef Chermiti, with the young forward costing around £8m from Everton.

The Portuguese forward never scored for Everton in 24 appearances and was previously on the books at Sporting CP.

1 Tore Andre Flo £12m from Chelsea

Comfortably top of the table is striker Tore Andre Flo, who has held the title of Rangers’ record signing for more than 20 years.

The Norwegian swapped Stamford Bridge for Ibrox in 2000 and spent close to two years in Scotland. Flo scored on his debut against Celtic and would net 38 goals in all competitions before being sold to Sunderland in summer 2002.

Newcastle United are looking to do all they can to sort out a new deal for a “sensational” player, amid rumours of a move to Manchester City.

Howe makes Isak admission and confirms Newcastle injury

After a two-week international break, the Magpies host Wolves in the Premier League this weekend, taking them on at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has opened up about his relationship with the departed Alexander Isak, and how his relationship with the Swede changed.

“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship. I loved working with him and I hope he loved working with us. We helped him become the player who departed us today and he helped us achieve some important milestones.

“The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was a turning point in our relationship. Communication became difficult from that point onwards.”

Meanwhile, Howe has also said that one of Newcastle’s new signings, Yoane Wissa, will miss the Wolves game after picking up an injury on international duty with the DR Congo.

Newcastle will do everything to seal new deal for "sensational" £80m star

Speaking to Football Insider, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that Newcastle are pushing hard to agree a new deal for £80m-rated right-back Tino Livramento, amid interest from City who are ready to accelerate a potential transfer.

Tying down Livramento to a new contract has to be seen as key business for Newcastle, especially with City potentially hovering for him in the future.

The 22-year-old has matured into such a consistent player for the Magpies, proving to be adept at both right-back and left-back, pushing hard to start for England at the 2026 World Cup next summer.

Livramento has been hailed as “sensational” by Magpie Media, while Theo Walcott even once claimed that the Englishman possessed an “aura” during his time at Southampton as a younger player.

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He can be a mainstay for Newcastle for many more years to come, possibly making the right-back spot his own after Kieran Trippier, and Howe will surely see him as a massive part of his future plans.

Liverpool defeated Arsenal at Anfield, securing three points against a side billed as Arne Slot’s closest rivals to the Premier League title.

Champions last term, Liverpool saw off the Gunners thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s spectacular free kick late on, the Hungarian machine operating in a makeshift right-back berth and playing with the gusto and guile of Trent Alexander-Arnold in his Redman pomp.

An all-encompassing display, the 24-year-old took all the plaudits post-match, his contribution maintaining a sustained flawless start to Slot’s Premier League title defence, nine points from nine.

Szoboszlai's "masterpiece"

Fabrizio Romano marvelled at the “masterpiece” of a performance from Szoboszlai, playing once again at right-back and doing so like a seasoned veteran in the position, emphasising his versatility.

He locked up Arsenal left winger Gabriel Martinelli and made six clearances across the 90, expertly rejecting Gunner advances into the Liverpool box.

In fact, it wouldn’t be out of the question to suggest that Szoboszlai has staked his claim to an enduring role on the defensive flank, so dynamic and athletic and tenacious.

However, Szoboszlai wasn’t the only Liverpool star to have made a positive impact in a much-improved defensive display.

Virgil van Dijk was as redoubtable as ever, and Ibrahima Konate looked back to his best, fending off Viktor Gyokeres with ease. The Swede didn’t manage a single shot at Anfield on Sunday.

But it was Szoboszlai’s compatriot, Kerkez, who produced a brilliant performance at left-back, so much better than the opening weeks of the term.

Kerkez vs Arsenal in numbers

Kerkez was up against it on the left, battling against the electric-paced Noni Madueke, who did well in the injured Bukayo Saka’s stead, a constant threat for Mikel Arteta’s men.

Part of the 2024/25 Premier League Team of the Season, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that Kerkez, 21, has endured a testing start to his Liverpool career, shipping two goals in each of his opening three fixtures before playing a fantastic game against Arsenal, shutting the visitors out.

Having joined from Bournemouth for £40m, Kerkez is looking to succeed, in the long term, the newly-appointed Liverpool vice-captain Andy Robertson, and this was a display which proved he has the skill to do exactly that.

The Liverpool Echo only handed him a 7/10 match rating, although they acknowledged his diligent defending and crispness on the ball.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

57

Accurate passes

25/30 (83%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0/0

Tackles

3

Clearances

5

Duels won

7/9 (78%)

It says a lot that Kerkez wasn’t dribbled past even once, and that he won all five of his ground duels. Now we see why sporting director Richard Hughes was so keen on snapping him up.

Kerkez might not have had a defining moment like his countryman, but his efforts against Arsenal’s biggest attacking outlet contributed toward a priceless victory for Slot’s side.

It was easily his most refined and cultured performance in a Liverpool shirt, one which suggests Liverpool have a superstar in the making on their hands.

The best is yet to come, but that was a delicious taste of the left-back’s incredible quality and potential.

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Liverpool could evoke memories of the past with a statement double deal before the deadline..

ByWill Miller Aug 30, 2025

West Ham United are now preparing an official offer for a “very prolific” striker, who is set to be available for around €30m (£26m) this summer, according to a report.

Hammers keen on signing new striker

It would be fair to say West Ham have had some bad luck when it comes to signing strikers over the years, with the likes of Sebastien Haller and Gianluigi Scamacca flattering to deceive, despite being very successful elsewhere.

Niclas Füllkrug has also struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, scoring just three goals in his debut campaign, after struggling with injuries throughout the campaign, and with the German now 32-years-old, it could be worth bringing in a younger option this summer.

In recent days, the Irons made an approach for Metz centre-forward Idrissa Gueye, but with the 18-year-old attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, Graham Potter’s side may find it difficult to win the race for his signature.

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ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

As such, West Ham may be forced to move on to alternative options, and they are now set to intensify their efforts to sign a Serie A striker…

That is according to a report from Italy (via The Hard Tackles), which states the Hammers are now preparing an official bid for Cagliari striker Roberto Piccoli, who is set to be available for a fee of around €30m (£26m) this summer.

Piccoli is said to have attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe after an impressive 2024-25 campaign, including Benfica and Fiorentina, and the Irons are now looking to steal a march on rival suitors by lodging a formal offer.

Potter’s side are scouring the market for a new striker, given that Fullkrug and Evan Ferguson failed to have the desired impact last season, with a deal for Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson also thought to be edging closer to completion.

"Very prolific" Piccoli could be ideal signing for West Ham

Wilson, of course, is already vastly experienced in the Premier League, having had stints with Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth, but the Englishman is now 33-years-old, and struggled with injuries throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

Wilson Injuries 24/25

Games missed

Hamstring

14

Back

15

As such, it may be a wise idea to bring in a younger striker, who is more dependable, and the 24-year-old Cagliari striker could fit the bill, fresh off the back of an impressive 2024-25 season.

The Italian, who was once lauded as “very prolific” by scout Jacek Kulig, amassed ten goals and three assists for Cagliari in the Serie A last season, in what was undoubtedly the most impressive season of his career so far.

Piccoli is at the right age to be a long-term success at the London Stadium, and West Ham will be hoping they have finally found a striker capable of leading the line for years to come.

Xabi Alonso revealed Jude Bellingham is stepping up his recovery and could return for Real Madrid before October, with El Clasico the key target.

Alonso says Bellingham is back in trainingSpaniard optimistic about his return before OctoberClasico on October 26 seen as key comeback targetFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Alonso has offered a positive update on Bellingham’s recovery from shoulder surgery. The midfielder has been sidelined since going under the knife to fix a recurring dislocation that first struck against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023. He had continued to play with heavy strapping for both Madrid and England before the issue worsened, forcing him out of action at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. 

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The 22-year-old has already missed three La Liga fixtures this season and will miss Los Blancos' opening Champions League games. The club are desperate to avoid rushing him back, but Alonso confirmed that Bellingham is already in partial, non-contact training. With El Clasico against Barcelona looming on October 26, the priority is to have him fit and firing for the biggest fixture on the Spanish calendar. 

WHAT XABI ALONSO SAID

In his press conference before the Real Sociedadclash in La Liga, Alonso gave an encouraging update on the midfielder’s progress: "I want to be a little optimistic and hope he's ready before October. He's doing partial, non-contact training, but Jude is making a great effort in his recovery. Let's see if he can take steps forward next week, and when we feel good, we'll be waiting for him."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MADRID AND BELLINGHAM?

The Englishman will miss Madrid’s upcoming clash against Real Sociedad this weekend, but his rehabilitation continues to progress positively. The target remains for him to be available in time for the El Clasico showdown with Barcelona, though Madrid will prioritise his long-term fitness over rushing him back.

With a deal already edging closer to signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax, Chelsea have also now reportedly made their first contact to sign a fresh attacking reinforcement.

Chelsea closing in on Hato

As ever, Chelsea have welcomed several fresh faces this summer. As Enzo Maresca gears up for his second season in charge, he now has the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens at his disposal in what remains a squad filled to the brim with quality in depth.

The Blues haven’t quite wrapped up their summer business just yet, however. After showing the door to Noni Madueke, who joined London rivals Arsenal, and Saudi-bound Joao Felix, those at Stamford Bridge still have money to spend and have turned towards Hato as a result.

The 19-year-old left-back now looks destined to become the latest young talent to arrive in West London, as Chelsea continue to build one of the youngest squads in the Premier League.

Hato’s tender age is unlikely to stand in the way of first-team opportunities, though. The Dutchman already has plenty of experience on that front and even graced the Europa League for Ajax last season.

One of many to have praised Hato, Statman Dave recently told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Big Transfer Talk: “When you look at his stats over the season, we are starting to see a player who is very composed and creative. He could potentially go on a similar path to Trent Alexander-Arnold – that is the player I would liken him to in Europe.”

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Alas, it’s not just their backline that Chelsea still want to improve. The Blues have also reportedly made their first move to sign a Serie A star.

Chelsea make first approach to sign Weah

According to SpazioJ, Chelsea have made their first approach to sign Timothy Weah from Juventus, only for the American to turn down a summer switch to Stamford Bridge.

It’s not the first time that the winger has turned down the chance to join a Premier League club, either. Earlier this summer, reports emerged that he had handed Nottingham Forest the same answer that he has now given Chelsea and Tottenham. Just where his future now lies as a result is the big question.

Juventus are still willing to sell Weah for around €20m (£17m) ahead of next season, but it remains to be seen whether the likes of Chelsea come calling with a second attempt to convince the 25-year-old.

After scoring six goals and providing five assists in all competitions last season, former Juventus boss Thiago Motta took the chance to praise Weah – telling reporters: “I see him very well, the first thing for a full-back is to defend, be aggressive, win duels, and he is winning a lot of them. He is aggressive, he can still improve, I am very happy with what I see, and on top of that, he also manages to score goals.”

In what would be the ultimate statement of intent from INEOS, Manchester United are now eyeing a shock move to hijack a Champions League megastar ahead of Arsenal after Real Madrid lowered their asking price.

Who Man Utd could target after Bryan Mbeumo

After launching a fresh bid worth more than £60m to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, all signs a pointing towards success for Manchester United in their chase to sign the winger. In another big money deal, the Red Devils look increasingly likely to welcome their second attacking reinforcement of the summer following Matheus Cunha.

It always needed to be a big summer at Old Trafford, however, and INEOS may not be done after Mbeumo. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have also set their sights on improvements in goal, in midfield and further attacking additions to round off an excellent summer of business.

On the goalkeeper front, the main name mentioned in recent weeks has been Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. The Midlands club have PSR troubles hanging over their head and will likely need to sell a player before the June 30 deadline – potentially allowing United to take full advantage.

Meanwhile, when it comes to midfielders it is Ardon Jashari who has found himself among recent headlines. The Belgian Pro League’s Player of the Season has reportedly attracted the interest of United, who could land an instant upgrade on Casemiro.

It’s going forward that INEOS could save their best work once again though, with reports now suggesting that United may yet hijack Arsenal’s move to sign a Real Madrid megastar.

Man Utd eyeing shock Rodrygo hijack

As reported by Caught Offside, Manchester United are now eyeing a shock move to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid this summer in what would see them hijack Arsenal’s pursuit.

It looks as though the Brazilan’s Real Madrid departure is a realistic possibility this summer as he continues to be overshadowed by the work of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Arsenal are chasing his signature, which will now cost around €85m (£73m) following Madrid’s price drop from €110m (£94m), but United’s interest could now complicate things for the Gunners.

It would be some statement if INEOS managed to beat Arsenal to Rodrygo’s signature, albeit an expensive statement at that. Not only would United be spending another £73m to secure his signature, but the Madrid man also currently earns around £10.5m-a-year at the Bernabeu to form what would be Ratcliffe’s biggest deal yet.

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Previously described as a “special” player by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, there’s a strong argument to be made that Rodrygo would be worth every penny of that £10.5m-a-year contract.

The talented winger may be an afterthought at Madrid at times, but there’s no denying that he’d instantly become the biggest star at Ruben Amorim’s disposal if he joined Manchester United this summer.

Following on from signing Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez, Glasgow Rangers are now reportedly closing in on an agreement to sign a 6’2 defender for Russell Martin.

Rangers pushing on after Rothwell and Fernandez

The Rangers overhaul is officially underway following the arrivals of Max Aarons, Fernandez, Lyall Cameron and Rothwell, but even after four fresh faces the 49ers are not done. Martin is seemingly set to be backed with further signings before the Scottish Premiership gets underway as he looks to cause a shock in his first season at Ibrox.

Just who else comes through the door remains the question around Glasgow. Already, the Gers have completed some impressive business but the likes of Conor Coady and David Brooks may still be on their way in what would make it four Premier League signings this summer.

Joining Aarons and Rothwell, Coady and Brooks would round off an excellent few weeks on the transfer front. And Martin has already been full of praise for all of his new arrivals, including Rothwell.

The manager told the club’s official website after the midfielder put pen to paper: “He is a player who we thoroughly enjoyed working with during my time at Southampton.

“His leadership, professionalism and quality were a huge asset. He is joining on the back of two promotions so helps bring a real winning mentality to the group. We are excited for Joe to join up the squad, get to know his teammates, and help make the group stronger.”

Even with Coady and Brooks already on their radar and with Rothwell arriving alongside Aarons, however, reports are now suggesting that Rangers could be about to sign an alternative Premier League defender this summer.

Rangers closing in on Djiga agreement

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Rangers are now closing in on an agreement to sign Nasser Djiga on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and hoping that he undergoes a medical in the “coming days”.

After joining Wolves in the January transfer window, the 6’2 defender looks set to arrive at Ibrox in search of much-needed playing time before returning to the Midlands.

At 22 years old, the centre-back is certainly a player full of potential even if he has struggled to show it in full at Wolves. Dubbed “quick” and “aggressive” by former Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs after signing for the club in January, Djiga could now finally show his best form in Scotland.

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By signing the defender alongside Leicester City’s Coady, Martin would instantly have an upgraded backline to work with at Ibrox.

Leeds United have had some brilliant academy products down the years, but one youngster they’ve had on their books has not reached his potential after being likened to Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney at youth level.

Leeds’ best ever academy products

The Whites have been responsible for producing a number of well-known Premier League players over the last 30 years from their famous academy. Some, as a result of the club’s well-documented financial problems in the early 2000’s, made their name known at first team level elsewhere.

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Meanwhile, others have impressed at Elland Road before being snapped up in the transfer market, the latest being Archie Gray, who joined Tottenham in 2024 in a deal thought to be worth £40m.

Leeds’ best academy products in pictures

Right now, Leeds have Archie’s younger brother, Harry Gray, coming through the ranks, and he actually made his first-team debut at the age of 16 years, 6 months, and 13 days.

Leeds United’s youngest ever players

Age at debut

1

Peter Lorimer

15 years, 9 months and 19 days

2

Tom Elliott

16 years, 2 months and 25 days

3

Aaron Lennon

16 years, 4 months and 7 days

4

Harry Gray

16 years, 6 months, and 13 days

5

James Milner

16 years, 10 months and 6 days

6

Neil Aspin

16 years, 10 months and 8 days

7

Aidy White

16 years, 10 months and 16 days

8

Simon Walton

16 years, 10 months and 25 days

9

Jimmy Greenhoff

16 years, 10 months and 26 days

10

Ryan Edmondson

16 years, 11 months and 16 days

Those in Yorkshire will be hoping they can keep hold of the forward, who is already being likened to Michael Owen and Harry Kane, but one attacker who hasn’t lived up to the hype has been Joe Gelhardt.

Leeds talent set to be sold after Gerrard and Rooney comparisons

Many expected big things when Leeds swooped to sign Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa following the club’s promotion to the Premier League. A deal for the exciting teenager cost the Whites just £1m, and he would progress into the first team, making his top flight debut in 2021.

The attacker has gone on to score just three goals for the Whites, one of which being a stoppage-time winner against Norwich City, while he also produced a piece of brilliant skill which helped keep Leeds in the Premier League in 2022.

However, Gelhardt has struggled for consistency and has been sent out on loan to Sunderland and Hull City, and now looks set to be sold on a permanent basis in 2025 if a club comes in with an offer in the region of £3m-£4m.

Long-time Merseyside Boys’ manager Tim Wyatt even said that Gelhardt caught the eye just as much as Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney did when they were all 14 years of age.

Wigan’s former head of academy and now sporting director Gregor Rioch was also full of praise for Gelhardt while he was at the Latics, saying he “had the X-factor”.

It’s a case of what could have been for Gelhardt at Elland Road, and still just 23 years of age, he’ll be looking to get his career back on track elsewhere.